Are there any cryptic crossword enthusiasts out there? I have just started by reading up on the different types of clues and trying my hand at the Guardian Cryptics - trouble is I only manage five or six of the clues per crossword! Even when I cheat and look at the answers, I don't get it. Can anyone learn to do them or are some people (e.g. me) never going to get it? And here's one I really don't get - if anyone would like to explain I would be very grateful:

Fsharpminor has beaten me to it. I was going to say all of that. Honestly. It took me a while to work out though. I actually love cryptic crosswords and I do the ones in the Daily Mail and Daily Express every day. On Saturdays I "treat" myself to the Guardian, Telegraph and Times. I have to say that the Guardian ones are quite difficult and it takes a long time to get inside the head and the way of thinking of each individual compiler. On the opposite end of the scale I personally find the Daily Express quite easy and the Daily Mail just slightly more difficult than the Express.

The Daily Telegraph for me is the one I prefer, though I agree that the Guardian and Times are a bit harder. On Sunday I like the Sunday Times, also often a bit tricky. They also have a 'Clue Writing' competition.

I actully compiled Cryptic Crosswords in my Uni days for the Union newspaper. The only clue I remeber vividly is this poor effort !

Unusual role after composer gets round, breaking wind to get degree (8.2.4)

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